2018 NFL Draft

2011 Draft Team Needs

NFLDraftScout.com provides a positional breakdown of team needs looking at
the 2011 NFL Draft. Free agents listed are those expected to be unrestricted
free agents based on the new rules in the Collective Bargaining Agreement
which allow players with at least six accrued NFL seasons to become UFAs.
The ratings, broken down by position for each team, will be updated
frequently leading up to the draft and beyond. An explanation of what a
rating number represents is listed at the bottom of each page.
Copyright NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange

Atlanta looks to be solidly built for a long run in the playoffs...and beyond. DE John Abraham turned back the clock this year, but he won't last forever and more consistency is needed across from him. Free agency could change the right side of their offensive line, which has been a strength. There will also be tough decisions to be made on TE Tony Gonzalez and OLB Mike Peterson.

The success of Carolina's off-season depends heavily on who they bring in as a coach and whether Stanford QB Andrew Luck enters the draft. If he does, look for them to select him or make a big trade to gain picks to bolster their line-up. If he doesn't, they'll look at an impact defender (outside pass rusher, run-stuffing DT are big needs) or an elite WR to help Steve Smith and QB Jimmy Clausen. They also have multiple starters on the free agent market.

The defending Super Bowl champs haven't been putting up points as they did last year, partially because of the team's lack of balance on offense. Chris Ivory is a nice story, but Pierre Thomas may not return, putting RB near the top of the needs list. The defense has been improved for this year, but stopping the run is still a concern, so finding a stout defensive tackle is important. A high pick could also be used at DE since Alex Brown and Jimmy Wilkerson, though solid, haven't been a big upgrade in terms of pass rush. Eventually the Saints will need to find a kicker, as well.

Buccs coach Raheem Morris appears to have this team on the right track behind QB Josh Freeman, though the team's offensive line and running back corps may undergo changes this spring. Their defense was only middling, not exactly being stout against the run or putting on a huge pass rush. Defensive end, linebacker, and safety are, therefore, all spots of need.

Updated on 1/6/2011

Team Needs Explanation

Rating

Description

0-2

Solid starter(s). The team is unlikely to draft a player at this position.

3-5

This position needs depth.

6-8

This position needs a starter.

9-10

This is the biggest position of need.

Conditions for the Ratings

Injured starters can increase the need at that position

Rookie starters can increase or decrease the need at that position according to his performance

Free agents and trades will either increase or decrease a need at that position

Contract players will increase the need at that position until they sign an extension

This will update throughout the season to determine each team's needs for the 2010 draft.